Chs. 14-15 How does Mr. P respond when he learns about Edna? Who cared for the Pontellier children (who are real but seem constantly forgotten)? What does Edna start to realize about this summer and herself(40)? What does she think about Robert at the end of chapter 14? How does Edna react to the news of Robert’s departure (start on 41)? What makes the conversation between Edna and Robert at the end of 15 awkward? What has Robert realized that Edna seems to fail to? That last paragraph of 15 is totally important (that 2nd to last paragraph is helpful too); know why?

Ch. 16-17 How has Edna’s life changed since Robert left? What is the only thing she seems to enjoy? “The sentiment which she entertained for Robert in no way resembled that which she felt for her husband” (47). Duh. But why? Edna claims that she “wouldn’t give [her]self” for her children (47). What does this mean? Is she selfish? (Lots of good quotes here…) Mdme Reisz points out the consequence of the “mother-woman.” What is it? Mr. P. “greatly valued his possessions” (50). Character development? How is Edna rejecting her position in society upon her return from Grand Isle (50)? What makes Edna “[take] off her wedding ring [and fling] it upon the carpet” (52)? What is she trying to achieve?

Chs. 18-20 How is Edna part of an “alien world” (53)? The narrator claims that Robert’s “being, his existence” dominates Edna’s thoughts (54). Is she truly becoming a liberated, “awakened” person or has she just found a man to latch on to? What does Edna seek from Madame Ratignolle (55)? Does it work? The narrator calls the Ratignolle marriage a “fusion of two human beings” (56). So does Mme. Ratignolle deserve any criticism for espousing the virtues of marriage? What are Edna’s views on it? What is “life’s delirium” (56)? Mr. P is “shocked,” “bewildered” and finally “angered” by his wife (57). Why? (You should have lots of quotes marked here) Mr. P believes that Edna is becoming “unbalanced mentally” (57). Does this make him an insensitive jerk who deserves our condemnation? What is really happening to her (57)? The Lebruns describe Edna as looking “improved” after returning to the city (61). How does this contradict what everyone else has said? Why is it different?